Confederation of All India Traders
(An Apex Body of Trade federation, Associations & Non-Corporate Sector of India)
”Vyapar Bhawan”
925/1, Naiwala, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005.
Phone: +91-11-45032664, Telefax: +91-11-45032665
Email: teamcait@gmail.com Website: www.cait.in
11th April, 2021
Ref. No.: 3190/1/50
Shri Narendra Modi
Hon’ble Prime Minister
Government of India
New Delhi
Respected Shri Pradhaninantri Ji,
Sub: Measures to control rapid escalation of COVID pandemic
In the wake of speedy escalation of COVID pandemic in different States, of the Country, we on behalf of 8 core traders express our deep concern and appreciate the steps taken by the Government so far, as most appropriate and timely. However, We are of the considered view that beside the Government, the citizens of the Country and in particular, the trading community, being the first point contact with the population of India has a greater obligation to render all kinds of services required to combat the pandemic. Driven by such a thought, we stand in solidarity with both Central and Slate Governments to become an extended arm of the Government for performing well any assignment that will be given to us. There ore more than 40 thousand trade associations in the Country which represent more than 8 core traders under the umbrella of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).
A closer analysis of the covid statistics over the last one week have Made it ample clear that Night Curfew and Lockdown in different States have not brought the desired results of bringing down the cases. On the 5th of April, India reported 96,563 costive cases out of which high surge states reported respective numbers- Maharashtra ( 47,228), Delhi (3548) Gujarat ( 3160) Punjab ( 2692) Karnataka ( 5279) Chhattisgarh ( 7302) Since then Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Punjab, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh have all imposed various restrictions like night curfew 8 lockdown beginning 5th April In Maharashtra, followed by Delhi, Gujarat and Punjab 0n 6th April, followed by Karnataka & Chhattisgarh. As on 9th April, India reported 1.45,384 positive cases which is a 50% increase from 5th April the day resections were announced. Maharashtra reported 58993 cases on 9th April which is 25% higher than the day Lockdown was announced by the state government Similarly. Gujarat (4541) 8 Delhi (8521) a steep rise of 43% and a staggering 140% respectively. States like Punjab 3459 ( 28%) Chhattisgarh 11447 (56%) Karnataka 79551 (50%) have also reported a significant spike despite the curbs.
The above Statistics establish the fact that instead of night curfew a Lockdown, other alternative available measures can be adopted so that chances of contraction among the people can be minimised. In this context, we have to make under-noted submissions to your goodself :
a. Clamping Lockdown is certainly not a solution since the trade and commerce is still struggling to recover from the losses of the previous lockdown of 2020. On the one side effective steps am needed to stop increase in COVID cases whereas on the other hand the economic and commercial activities should also continue by observing COVID safety protocols in a strict manner.
b. We would like to suggest that sharking hours of different verticals of trade and commerce should be revised and in this context we suggest that Government offices, Private Offices and other all kinds of offices may work from 8 am to wpm whereas the markets and shops may be allowed to work from tam to 5 pin. Banks and other financial Institutions may be allowed to mark from 9 am to 3 pm. likewise. clock timings can be set for other forms of businesses and other professional arthritics. Such staggered, innings will reduce human traffic to a great extent.
c. The trade associations can play a vital role in checking the Increase of COVID and helping the Government for encouraging the people to follow void instructions sincerely and religiously. It is to be noted that shops of the traders are the first contact point of the total population of the Country for obtaining their daily requirements. Therefore. it is suggested that Local administration in each city should he advised to formulate a joint strategy with local trade associations for keeping strict observance of COVID safety protocols in the markets and on the roads, like wearing masks and face shields, sanitising of hands repeatedly and maintaining social distance. The Associations may be advised to keep extra guards in their markets to cheek the visitors at each entry and exit point. No person without a mask should be allowed to enter any market. Even if a passerby or visitor is seen not nearing masks. the traders may Immediately ask the said person to wear the market. The CAIT has already advised the Trade Associations all over the Country to instruct their members to strictly observe COVID protocols In their shops.
d. We appreciate the current fast process of vaccination all over India. However, more efforts are required to carry vaccination drives in full swing and in this context, we suggest holding “special vaccination camps’ et prominent places in each market where all eligible traders, their employees. customers and other people can be vaccinated by observing all vaccination protocols. The respective ‘ride associations will be pleased to host such camps and the vaccination team as well.
e. It is also suggested that wearing mask is made mandatory by force of a law ran, done In the case of wearing helmets on two wheelers and fastened seat belts in four wheel drive. Such a law will help a lot in combating COVID from further escalation.
f. It is also suggested that to fight with COVID pandemic, a District wise strategy should he made and a District level COVID Task Group may be formed under the Chairmanship of District Collector and comprising of officials of all concerned Departments and representative of Wide & commerce and Resident Welfare Associations. Such steps will prove to be more effective in combating Covid eases
We wish to recall that on your clarion call, the CAIT under the able guidance and monitoring of Shri Piyush Goyal Hon’ble Union Minister for Commerce was able to discharge its responsibilities up to the mark during the Lockdown-2020 by keeping the supply chain alive across the Country for availability of essential commodities to the people of India under advert circumstances with the help of traders and in close association of Government administration across the Country. We express our commitment that the trailers under the umbrella of CAIT are well prepared far any eventuality for discharging their obligations
We are sure that our above suggestions will receive your kind and Immediate attention and you will be pleased to accept our humble suggestions.
Thank you.
With kind regards
Yours truly
Praveen Khandelwal
National Secretary General
Confederation of All India Traders
Download Measures to control rapid escalation of COVID pandemic
